Toronto Urban Forestry Services

Toronto Urban Forestry Services manages the urban forest for both today and tomorrow. Their forest management goal is to ensure the continued viability of the urban forest through programs that achieve our objective of a healthy, diverse and sustainable tree canopy. Toronto’s urban forest currently covers approximately 20% of the City. An average tree canopy coverage of 35% is an optimum target for an urban forest and so we have many trees to plant and nurture.

By maintaining a healthy, sustainable urban forest ecosystem today, they are protecting and building upon a solid natural foundation that will provide long-term environmental, social and economic benefits to Toronto.

Their urban forest management program is based on three main areas of activity:
- Renewal & Planting – maintenance of canopy coverage and the enhancement and restoration of the urban forest through tree planting programs and policies;
- Maintenance & Management – management of trees for good health and safety and the maintenance of a diverse forest cover to ensure biodiversity, and optimize species composition and ensure there are trees of all ages;
- Planning & Protection – protection of the existing tree population through policies, programs, guidelines, by-laws and long-term planning.